5 Tips on Whitewater Rafting Safety

When you think about Pacuare River in Costa Rica, most likely you will first think about whitewater rafting in its waves. Costa Rica rafting has been one of the most if not the top famous activity done in the well know river of Pacuare. But before you set your row and battle the waves of medium to rough course, here are the safety precautions and preparations you must first keep in mind. This will not only make your whitewater rafting an enjoyable experience but will also ensure you finish your adventure fulfilled and safe.

1. Select an authorized and expert rafting agent. 

At the point when looking for a travel company that will guide you on your rafting experience, make inquiries. Ask to what extent they have been doing business. Request them about the expertise of their guides and about their necessary permit and licences in operating such tour. This will tell you that you are handled by professional and trusted outfitters. 

2. Always and correctly wear your life jacket and floating devices.

Your life jacket will save you in case you accidentally fell off the boat and will let you float on the water. However, it must be properly worn and secured to your body with the buckles so you don’t lose them.

3. Don’t forget your protective gear.

You helmet must be also worn to protect your head of injuries. We know that water rafting can be a rough activity and wearing your protective helmet will ensure the safety of your hear when cruising down the river. 

4. You must wear the proper clothes.

During spring, the water may be a bit crisp. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and fitting shoes can make the excursion significantly more open to, permitting you to delight in the rush without the chill. A few outfitters lease this stuff or your guide will have a gear for you. Figure out before you book if they will provide them for you. On summer, be prepared for sunny crisp mornings. In this case, wear quick drying clothes and partner it with a sun block for sun protection.

5. Hold your paddle securely.

On holding your paddle, one hand ought to be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand ought to ALWAYS be on the end of the pole over the "T" grasp. The "T" hold is made of hard plastic that can hurt you when you accidental hit yourself with it. Keeping your hand over the "T" grasp will keep control of the paddle and prevent you from hurting.

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River

The Pacuare Rapids

The Pacuare River in Costa Rica offers the world’s best whitewater rafting experience in the world. Besides from being the most scenic and easily accessible river in Costa Rica, Pacuare is also the only river in the country that offers such amenities as having lush rainforest surrounding it that house ocelots, jaguars and bird life and having one of the best whitewater in the world.

Photo credits to: nytimes.com

The National Geographic considered the Pacuare River whitewater rafting as one of the world’s top ten river trips in the world; primarily not just with the rapids, but because of the wonderful scenery of virgin rainforest beside it. The river rapids goes up to class V difficulty, that’s why it is especially intended for trained and experienced  water rafters. There are tour packages along the area that provides multiple day trips, commonly two to three days for you to fully grasp the wonders of Pacuare River including hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural springs bound to make your trip real exciting.

From the Talamanca Mountain, Pacuare River Class II, III and IV rapids extend 67 miles passing through valleys and mountains covered with rainforest trees and wildlife. The river can be quite calm and steady flowing; making the rafters enjoy the rainforest on the coast for a moment, then the rapids can be made of large waves able to bring your inflatable boat crash from side to side.

How many paddlers can there be in a boat?

Rafter teams have no uniform number, but most of the time, there are 6 to 7 people setting off the boat. There are 6 paddlers in a raft; working hand in hand to angle the raft along the rocks and cliffs commanded by a trained guide. Frequently, there can be trained kayakers to accompany a raft to provide assistance in case of emergencies.

After traversing through the rapids of Pacuare River, your guide will let you enjoy the waters with the absence of the boat; you can float through the emerald green waters while taking a deep breath internalizing the comfort nature gives you. Along with the overhead vegetation and mosses surrounding the waters, you can travel through the canyon and approach a waterfall that runs into the river.

The adventure of whitewater rafting in Pacuare started more or less thirty years ago. This culture is preserved up to now due to collaboration of efforts of tour package companies around the area. This guys make sure that every adventure along the river will not cause any disturbance to the natural flow and existence of the environment.